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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />BRAD COMMUNICATION <br /> <br />BRAD COMMITTEE <br />SUBJECT: 2014 DOWNTOWN PATIO PROGRAM DISCUSSION <br /> <br />DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 <br /> <br />PRESENTED BY: AARON M. DEJONG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> <br />SUMMARY: <br />Staff is requesting input into program guidelines for the 2014 downtown street patio <br />season. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The downtown patios were started by the Downtown Business Association (DBA) in <br />2009 as a way to create activity within the downtown area. The DBA ran the program <br />until the start of the 2013 season. The existing patios were showing significant wear <br />and needed reinvestment. The DBA was unable to continue the program, and seeing <br />the benefits to the downtown, the City took over the program. <br /> <br />Some of the benefits of the patios are as follows; <br /> Encourages an active street front <br /> Creates additional space for restaurant operations <br />o That additional space creates new sales tax revenue for the City. <br /> Creates an added anticipation for the summer season <br /> <br />The City invested approximately $240,000 in early 2013 to manufacture 17 twelve foot <br />patios and 2 six-foot patios. The cost was significant, primarily because the new patios <br />are much more durable (estimated minimum 10-15 year useful life), functional (they are <br />wider and longer, so seating is better, and they are easier to install and level, have a <br />movable lip that matches and perfectly transitions to the curb), and has a polished look. <br />The City’s program maintained patios in front of restaurants that had patios in past <br />years, and added a total of 48 feet of new patios in front of Bittersweet Café, Double <br />Happy, and The Melting Pot. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION: <br />To reinforce the benefits of the patio program, staff has drafted the following Purpose <br />Statement: <br /> <br />The Downtown Patio Program makes available outdoor <br />patios within existing on-street parking spaces during the <br />late spring, summer and early fall. The program is meant to <br />provide benefits to the community as a whole by <br />encouraging an active streetscape. The patio program <br />contributes to the positive image of Louisville and the allure <br />of downtown to both citizens and visitors. Participating